Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
 Jim Liaw | |
Liaw Shares Tips for Young Professionals During Live Chat
By Amanda Gubbins
SEMA’s Young Executive Network (YEN) will host a live chat with Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). This open Q&A will give young professionals the chance to communicate directly with Liaw and ask him anything. The range of questions can include how to build a brand with young consumers, how to participate in the SEMA Launch Pad competition or his favorite tips on efficient business travel.
Liaw is best known for his entrepreneurial spirit in the fast lane, having started his career in sales with McMullen Argus working for Sport Compact Car magazine. Later, he helped run the first-ever sport-compact drag-racing championships with the Import Drag Racing Circuit. In 2003, Liaw co-founded and launched one of the hottest youth culture programs in America, Formula Drift Holdings. Recognized in both domestic and international media as the creator of the motorsport called “drifting,” Liaw has continued to sell out each racing venue, and 2015 marks the 12th season. Focused on supporting the industry, Liaw is also a seasoned SEMA volunteer leader who participates on the YEN Select Committee and chairs the SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN business competition.
Stop by the YEN Facebook page, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) to ask Liaw about his secrets for success. RSVP for this event now on Facebook.
 Launch Pad competition finalists interact with the judges and receive feedback on their business pitches. | |
Industry Heavyweights Team Up for Launch Pad Competition
By Amanda Gubbins
The 2014 SEMA Launch Pad, powered by the Young Executives Network (YEN) will feature another line-up of all-star industry veterans. This year’s event will be hosted by Matt D’Andria, CEO of Motorator.com and co-host of the “CarCast” podcast. The judging panel will bring a diverse portfolio of experiences and offer feedback to the contestants, ultimately choosing the next Launch Pad winner.
The 2014 judges include:
- Designer and marketer Mark Arcenal of Illest Brand and Fatlace
- Lawyer and business leader Ron Coleman of COMP Performance Group
- Fabricator and TV personality Jessi Combs of “Overhaulin’” and “All Girls Garage”
- Publisher and SEMA board of directors Chair-elect Doug Evans of The Enthusiast Network
- Marketer Glenn Rogers of Cascadia Capital LLC
The live event will take place, November 5, at 11:00 a.m. at a new location in the Las Vegas Convention Center—the second level of the North Hall in room N258. Five finalists will pitch their business concepts in competition for the grand prize—a package of business resources designed to extend the winning company’s reach and boost exposure.
SEMA Show attendees are invited to watch the contest unfold. Lunch will be served to the first 125 individuals to arrive. Admission to the event is free, but attendees should pre-register through their SEMA Show dashboards. Use the unique URL in the SEMA Show registration confirmation e-mail, or start at attendee registration and click the “Ticket Only” button. After logging in, select “The Next Great Business: How Entrepreneurs Pitch their Ideas.”
YEN General Membership Meeting
The YEN will hold a general membership meeting Monday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join the leadership and other members as they celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to young professionals in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in and for prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event online.
Discussion topics will include:
- YEN Annual Reception
- SEMA Launch Pad
- YEN Power Tour
- YEN Networking Events
- YEN Member Activation Program (MAP)
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit ARMO's website. | |
Save the Date for ARMO Awards Reception
The annual awards reception for the ARMO will be held Tuesday, November 4, in ballrooms D and E of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). Members and individuals interested in learning more about the council are invited to register and attend the event, which will run from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The evening will feature opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new connections, and honor a few of the industry’s influential restoration professionals during the award presentations.
General Membership Meeting
ARMO will hold a general membership meeting, Wednesday, November 5, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in conference rooms 4–6 of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). The group will discuss current initiatives and plans for the future over pastries and coffee. This event is a great introduction to the council for new and prospective members, and a chance to share challenges and ideas. Register today to save your seat.
Builder’s Roundtable
The ARMO roundtable provides an opportunity each year for members to discuss issues facing the industry. Geared toward small businesses and shop owners, the roundtable offers companies the opportunity to exchange information about market challenges and solutions in a casual, small-group setting. This year’s event will take place Thursday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N236. Register today.
For more information about ARMO’s SEMA Show events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
The ETTN will host a joint networking reception with the YEN, Tuesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in ballroom C of the Westgate (formerly LVH). All ETTN members, YEN members and other professionals interested in exploring the group’s benefits and programs are invited. The event will feature casino tables, specific areas showcasing emerging technologies, an awards ceremony and refreshments. Register for this event online.
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
The HRIA will hold its annual awards reception, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., in Ballrooms A and B of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH). The event provides a community-building opportunity for members and a chance for prospective members to learn more about the group’s focus. The evening’s festivities will include award presentations and a Pinewood Builder's Challenge auction to raise money for the charities supported by SEMA Cares. Register for the event today.
For more information, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Save the Date for the TORA Reception
The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom C. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the reception will feature networking opportunities and three award presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.
The TORA is also looking for volunteers for the annual TORA Industry Awards Reception and Fall Nationals Pinewood Drags.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
TORA Booth Happy Hour
Are you a buyer interested in meeting exhibitors in the truck and off-road industries? Are you a manufacturer hoping to build leads in a casual environment on the Show floor? Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34183) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2014 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink. Register today, or volunteer to help staff the booth.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Motorsports Manufacturers: Networking Opportunities at the 2014 PRI Show
The Performance Racing Industry Show week will kick-start for members of the MPMC with a general membership meeting on Wednesday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Indiana Convention Center, room 243. The meeting will provide participants a chance to share challenges and opportunities facing the segment. Lunch will be served to attendees following the meeting. Register today to join the group and share your perspective.
The council also looks forward to bringing back Education Day in 2014, with a few adjustments and new features. The “New Racing Products in the Fast Lane” event will feature three, 30-minute sessions on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in the convention center. Guests will have their choice of three presentations, which will run concurrently. Each presentation will focus on cutting-edge products from MPMC members, and attendees will learn more about the parts in a casual, small-group setting. To RSVP for individual seminars, access the PRI Attendee Registration Dashboard and select the MPMC link for more information.
The complete schedule of sessions follows:
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Room 240: Mahle
Room 241: MSD
Room 242: Turbosmart
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Room 240: Holley
Room 241: Driven Racing Oil
Room 242: Lunati
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Room 240: Ron Francis Wiring
Room 241: Edelbrock
Room 242: Comp Cams
Finally, the 2014 MPMC Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a formal induction ceremony and networking reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 12, in the Indiana Convention Center, room 208. Attendees will have the chance to network over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Register today.
For more information about these events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@SEMA.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Discussion Topics Announced for SEMA Show Rep Roundtable
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions for reps, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D&E of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). Through roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions that address real issues. The event will also include a group discussion on trending topics. The cost is $25 for SEMA-member reps, $35 for others.
2014 Discussion topics will include:
- "How to Recruit Next-Gen Talent in the Rep Industry" – Amy Hirsh Robinson, principal, Interchange Consulting Group
- "Future Automotive Trends Affecting Reps: OE, Manufacturers, WDs" – Gavin Knapp, senior market research manager, SEMA
- "Trends in Healthcare: How Rep Agencies Navigate Obamacare" – Gladys Zolna Esq., partner, Freeborn & Peters LLP
- "How MRERF Can Help Reps Conduct Business" – Karen Jefferson, CSP, CMPR, executive director, MRERF
- "Business Apps for Reps" – Tyler Tanaka, president, Cie Studios
- "Reps as SDC Receivers—Value Add Proposition" – Jon Wyly, president and CEO, SEMA Data Co-op
To reserve a seat, register today through the SEMA Show dashboard. For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
MRN Rep Center
MRN members will have exclusive access to a number of resources in the Rep Lounge at the 2014 SEMA Show. The lounge, located inside the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251), will be open Monday, November 3–Friday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Inside the lounge, printers and a charging station will be available. A private room is also open for client meetings and can be booked on site. Reps also have the opportunity to connect with manufacturers through a rep matching service—a book of information about interested exhibitors will be in the lounge for reps to review during the week. Exhibitors seeking representation for their product lines should submit the online form prior to the Show for inclusion.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Visit PRO in the North Hall at Booth #12561 during Show hours to learn more about what the council has to offer, the group's long-term goals, or just to meet the leadership face to face. Be sure to take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors over drinks at the PRO Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 5, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Register for the Happy Hour, or volunteer to help staff the booth today.
Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception
The PRO will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH), Ballrooms F and G. The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
PRO General Membership MeetingPRO members and others who would like to learn more about the council are invited to attend a general membership meeting, Thursday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N234. The meeting will provide a chance to learn more about the group’s focus and connect with other restylers over breakfast. Register today.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Café SEMA is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. | |
Café SEMA—In the Know With a Cup of Joe is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. The event will be held November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N243. Each presenter comes prepared to share their expertise and answer questions during this interactive event. The cost is $10 for SEMA members, $20 for non-members. Register today through the SEMA Show dashboard.
The 2014 speakers and topics are:
- “How Much Information Are You Willing to Share to Promote Sales? Developing a strategy and process for sharing business information, from application information to stock on hand and production schedules.” – S. Kellie Colf, Colf Creative Resources
- “Integrated Marketing for Innovative Products and Services: Using editorial, Google remarketing, social media and paid advertising to promote innovative and technical products and services, and anything that needs an explanation.” – Christina Kwan, Kwan International Media & Marketing, and Kathryn Reinhardt, Magnaflow
- “Managing Your Business Reputation in a Digital Age: Tools for monitoring your reputation and strategies for responding to issues.” – Tracy Teuscher, The Buzz Maker! Public Relations and Holly Krozel, Martin and Co.
- “Recruiting and Sustaining Top Talent in Your Organization – Making Interns Part of Your Plan: Internships that serve the host organization and the students.” – Julia Johnson, Skyline College, and Rose Kawasaki, Exports International
- “Actually Working Together: Effective communications between engineers, developers, creative and business managers inside the organization.” – Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates Racing Engines; JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Paint; and Melanie White, Hellwig Products
- “Doing Business Globally: Taking advantage of emerging markets, duties, regulations.” – Elizabeth Couch, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Linda Spencer, SEMA
- “Standardized Product Information: How to collect, standardize and share product information; Developing the standard to include CARB information” – Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
- “Making Your Pitch for an OE Dollar Car: Required information, correct format and how to turn an OE head” – Sherry Kollien, Ford Motor Co., and Theresa Contreras, LGE-CTS Motorsports
Gear Up Girl
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) will once again collaborate with SEMA Education to host Gear Up Girl on Monday, November 3, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N263 C. This unique networking event connects female students with established leaders in the industry. SBN members have the chance to help students gain a broad understanding of career paths in the specialty-equipment market and develop networking skills. The event is free, but participants are required to register through their SEMA Show dashboards.SBN General Membership Meeting
The SBN will hold a general membership meeting, Monday, November 3, from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join SBN leadership and members to celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to females in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in and for prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event online.
Discussion topics will include:
- SBN Reception
- Speed Networking Breakfast
- Café SEMA
- Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
- Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
 During the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes. | |
By Jenna Jefferies
The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SBN, will take place Thursday, November 6, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH), Ballroom A.
This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Make more than a dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment structured to keep the introductions flowing.
While you enjoy a hot breakfast, the SBN award ceremony will take place, honoring this year’s Athena Champion, Athena Woman of the Year and Athena Rising Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts.
Until October 18, the cost for SEMA members is $35 and $45 for non-members. After October 18, the cost is $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members. Reserve tickets today through the SEMA Show dashboard.
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| Visit WTC's website |
Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception
The WTC will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
WTC General Membership Meeting
The WTC General Membership Meeting will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, rooms N219–N220. The meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. This is also a great venue to learn how to get involved, share feedback or voice concerns and opportunities. In particular, members will learn more about a new resource to aid in selecting the correct wheel and tire fit for trucks—WTC’s "Ride Guide"—and a vehicle data-sharing program. Register today.